UNDATED (WIFR) -- On January 19th, 2013 shortly after midnight, members of the Rockford Police Department responded to the BP Amoco gas station located at 4477 Linden Road in reference to an Armed Robbery. Upon arrival, officers were advised a male suspect entered the business, displayed a handgun and demanded the money from the business. The suspect fled on foot from the business with an undisclosed amount of money. Rockford Police Detectives conducted follow up investigation into the incident. The facts of the investigation were reviewed by the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office.

Arrest warrants were obtained for both Taylor and Whittington. Taylor's bond was set at $250,000. Whittington's bond was set at $100,000 On the evening of February 20th, 2013, the Leroy, Illinois Police Department had a vehicle flee from them. The Officers from the Leroy Police Department initiated a pursuit on the vehicle. After a short time, the Leroy Police Officers terminated the pursuit. The vehicle was occupied by Taylor and Whittington.

On the same date shortly after 11:00 PM, a Douglas County Deputy observed the same vehicle drive through a red light in Tuscola, Illinois at a high rate of speed. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle but it fled. The deputy initiated a pursuit on the vehicle. After a short time, the deputy terminated the pursuit.

An officer from the Villa Grove, Illinois Police Department observed the same vehicle driving through their town at a high rate of speed. The Villa Grove, Illinois Officer initiated a pursuit on the vehicle. The pursuit was terminated after a short time. Approximately 30 minutes later, the same vehicle was observed south of Villa Grove, Illinois and a Douglas County Deputy attempted to stop it. A pursuit was initiated by officers from several law enforcement agencies including the Tuscola, Arcola, Arthur and Mattoon Police Departments, the Coles and Moultrie County Sheriff Offices and Illinois State Police. The pursuit lasted over one hour and covered approximately 50 miles through Douglas, Cole and Moultrie Counties. The pursuit ended shortly before 1:00 AM when the suspect vehicle crashed into a ditch in Douglas County. Taylor and Whittington were taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

Taylor and Whittington were arrested on the warrants for Armed Robbery stemming from the Armed Robbery on Linden Road. Whittington was also charged with DUI, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both Taylor and Whittington were lodged in the Douglas County Jail. The charges against Taylor and Whittington are merely accusations. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photographs of Taylor and Whittington are not being released at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

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